One of the symbols of Besalma village from Gagauzia is the Windmill, which has been preserved to this day, almost in its original form.
The wooden mill was built on the highest place in the village, in the middle of the 19th century. It makes a strong impression, transferring tourists in those days when flour was produced through hard work of the workers.
Many years ago, in Moldova, wind energy was widely used in flour production. Historians say that at the beginning of the 19th century, there were about 2,600 windmills across the country. Unfortunately, only four of them have survived to this day, including thi one from Besalma.
For the last time, this mill was used not so long time ago – 30 years ago. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the practice of disconnecting electricity was very popular. For this reason, the villagers of Basalma could only make flour at the windmill. As the locals recall, in those times huge tails were forming, and sometimes, people waited all night their turn to grind wheat or corn flour.
You can visit the windmill from Besalma, as part of the following tours to Gagauzia:
